The Impact of The Coronavirus On The Fashion Industry
Today’s blog is written by Ben Boateng Official. He’s a fashion journalist from Accra, Ghana. I'm excited to collaborate and work with you.
COVID-19 Impact
The coronavirus outbreak, began in the Chinese port city of Wuhan on December 31st, 2019. The rate of infection and measures to contain the spread of the virus has utterly deprived the consumer goods market vitality and strength. In a bid to put safety first for their employees and customers, luxury flagships stores around the world closed their doors to avoid the spread of the virus. Due to the restriction of movement imposed globally, it has developed a challenge to conduct business in person due to social distancing. Luxury fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, Versace, Gucci, Prada, Christian Dior, Givenchy and Chanel are all experiencing the economical and financial negative impact of this crisis. Retail services are obliged to sell products digitally via e-commerce which has declined their sales.
Fashion Designers Supporting Healthcare Workers
Fashion designers who are savvy in creating fashion masterpieces are now involved in the response plans by supporting front-line health workers. Recently, Versace denoted $500,000 to support local relief effort in response to the pandemic. Gucci made a solid commitment to aid progress of the vulnerable in this crises with a solidarity response fund in support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and a funding campaign to support the Italian Civil Department. The French luxury brand Louis Vuitton are producing face-masks and medical gowns for hospital workers in Paris. Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, Michael Burke said in a press release, "we're proud to be able to help health professionals at our level, to put our know-how at the disposal of 'Hòpitaux de Paris' to create gowns for medical stuff".
Fashion Industry Remains At A Standstill
According to Luke Leitch, "a view of Sanlitun Village, a luxurious shopping area usually full of people, is nearly empty due to widespread coronavirus across the country in Beijing, China". The United States is the hardest hit country in the global pandemic, with most cases, and deaths. The spring 2021 bridal season which was scheduled to take place in New York last week was postponed. Fashion week in the global 'big four' fashion capitals (Milan, London, New York, Paris) has suffer a setback, within this year. Questions arise, if designers will be asked to produce video presentations with a view to stream live in order to showcase their collections digitally.
